No slowing down for Anderson 4-H club president

Miranda Johns

BIG RED: Miranda Johns, president of the Anderson 4-H club, with her polled Hereford bull, which weighed 1,207 pounds, at the Shasta District Fair this year.

Miranda Johns, 15, is a sophomore at Anderson Union High School and president of the Anderson 4-H Club. The self-proclaimed “country girl” enjoys horseback riding with her friends and family, going “mudding” (tromping around in the mud) on a Saturday night or simply hanging around her horse. In addition to her hobbies, she is involved in extra curricular activities, including 4-H.

“4-H has helped me build and instill leadership skills and abilities,” said Johns, who is in her sixth year with 4-H.

John’s father, Buddy, has served 10 years in 4-H and is now a project leader for beef, swine and welding. Her, mother, Tina, who came from an FFA family, is a co-leader of the club. Her brother Bud, 12, is in his fourth year in 4-H programs.

Miranda Johns has raised five steers through her 4-H history.

Her most recent is “Red.” The polled Hereford bull was named for his coat that is red in color.

Johns said he was docile and that she knew he would be great for the fair. Red placed first in his class of group two steers. She figured Red could hang 1,200 pounds of meat and he weighed in at 1,207 pounds.

Johns also had the opportunity after the fair to help with the judging of the carcass contest. She took a trip to Eureka to Redwood Meats where the animals from the fair are shipped to be slaughtered and packaged for consumption.

In addition to the 4-H livestock program, Johns has also been involved in scrapbooking and was the junior teen leader for welding. She did not put any welding projects in 

the fair but she said she did learn about welding and the different techniques.

Johns feels 4-H has taught her “management and self control” skills. Through “guidance and patience” 4-H has taught her how to see “hidden opportunities” in any “set backs” she has experienced. She hopes to become the State Ambassador for 4-H and would like to run for “Beef Princess” this year.

She said that she has learned to castrate bulls, deliver calves and would like to pursue a career as a “large animal veterinarian” by attending UC Davis.

Johns said there are opportunities other than the “animal experiences,” such as rocket-building, firearms and nutrition training.

For more information about area 4-H clubs, call the 4-H Club in Redding at 224-4900.